I think we officially say that pro pickleball is getting pretty serious now that we have pickleball fans naming their kids after their favorite pros. And now, World No. 2 in mixed, JW Johnson has a new fun fact that he has a baby named after him. 

“A few months back, I signed a onesie for a couple that said they were naming their son after me, and I honestly thought it was a joke at first,” said Johnson. 

The couple, Marek Deamud and Jamie McNulty, are big pickleball fans. And welcomed baby James William “JW” in late April, and only a few weeks later, had the pleasure of meeting the real JW Johnson at Pickle Rage in Jacksonville, FL. 

“But I finally got to meet Baby Dub in person, and I was really surprised but it’s also really cool to have a baby named after me,” said Johnson. 

Johnson, alongside mom and coach, Julie Johnson got to meet the family and baby JW, and shared the meeting on Instagram. One photo even featured both moms giving their sons a kiss on the cheek. The two generations of JWs. 

“My biggest (or should I say smallest) fan!” commented Johnson.

Baby Dub now has a onesie signed by his namesake’ and a tiny little Engage paddle at the ready when he’s big enough to hit the pickleball court. Baby Dubs’ mom even shared his newborn pictures that feature a tiny pickleball paddle. It’s just adorable, a future pickleball star. 

JW and Julie also hit the court and played a couple games with the Deamud and fellow players to share some insights and pro tips with the enthusiasts. 

Between Baby Dub’s pickleball obsessed parents, and being named after the top in the game, I think we can only assume Baby Dub is gonna be a winner. Or, at least a flick wizard. 

“That kid is going to do great things in the pickleball world,” anticipated Johnson.

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